Great Lakes shipping up, but will it last?

Minnesota State Roundup

Lake Superior shipping is on the upswing largely due to higher
water levels and increased coal demand. The Duluth Seaway Port Authority
reported that at the end of June, cargo shipped this season totaled
12.7 million tonsup 5 percent from the same period last year.
Coal shipments increased by 6 percent over last year, and iron ore
shipments are up over 4 percent for the same period.

Water levels and shipping volume have improved in Duluth, but another
concern has arisen. Federal officials are considering imposing controls
on steel imports, which could have a serious impact on the shipping
industry. If imported steel is restricted, more ships entering the
Great Lakes would likely be empty and charge shipping customers
for a roundtrip voyage. A freight executive said that without steel
moving in, getting the grain economics to work on the outbound side
would be harder.